Chalk Hill Estate

WINEMAKER'S NOTES

The Chardonnay at Block B is one of the two oldest vineyards at Chalk Hill, and again proves one of the basic tenets of winemaking dogma: site is the most important factor in wine quality. The 1996 growing season, with its ample heat, extracted the quintessential expression of this vineyard enclave. The wine was vinified using traditional Burgundian methods to enhance the exotic complexity inherent in the fruit. This Estate Vineyard Selection is replete with ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors, and the finish is rich and voluptuous. Production of this extraordinary Chardonnay was limited to 540 cases.
Complete Winemaker Notes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Blend:

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Vineyard:

Oak Hill B

Appelation:

Chalk Hill

Ageing:

Sixteen months (twelve months sur lies), 73% new oak, 100% French oak (Francois Freres, Dargaud et Jaegle)

Fermentation:

100% in barrel, 100% natural yeasts, 100% natural malolactic

Harvested:

September 18, 1996, Brix 23.8°, T.A. 6.4 g/l, pH 3.49

Bottled:

April 1998, T.A. 6.6 g/l, pH 3.41

Find other Chalk Hill Chardonnays